Sr. Director Operations

Dover Corporation; Ball Ground (GA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

OPW Clean Energy Solutions, part of Dover Corporation, seeks a Senior Director of Operations to lead the CES manufacturing and operations network and align with Dover’s Operating Model and OpEx framework.

This role drives daily management systems, Lean transformation, policy deployment, and performance governance to deliver safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives, while building scalable capabilities for long‑term growth across the global footprint.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial management, applied engineering, business, or related discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive manufacturing/operations leadership with multi-site responsibility.
• Experience deploying structured operating systems and Lean transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the CES operations network using Dover’s Operating Model and Lean tools.
• Establish governance, performance reviews, and daily management routines.
• Drive capacity planning, capital deployment, and cost-out initiatives across sites.
• Champion safety, quality, and on-time delivery while improving working capital.

Skills

Leadership

Lean

Daily Management Systems

Policy deployment

Strategic execution

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial management or related discipline

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Infor XA or similar ERP

Job description

Since 1892, OPW customers have been able to count on us to revolutionize fluid-handling operations around the world. As a global leader in fluid-handling solutions, the mission of OPW is to be a developer of a comprehensive array of innovative fluid-handling solutions that our customers can consistently and reliably count on. These include loading and unloading systems for high-value hazardous and non-hazardous bulk products; railcar and transport tank-truck valves, gauging devices and tank-monitoring systems; automated storage-terminal controls and systems; and regulators, fittings, valves, vaporizers, vacuum-jacketed piping and gas-handling systems for the safe handling and distribution of cryogenics and industrial gases. OPW has more than 2,000 employees with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe and China, and sales offices around the world. OPW is part of the Clean Energy & Fueling segment of Dover (NYSE: DOV).

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Operations for OPW Clean Energy Solutions (CES) provides enterprise-level leadership for the manufacturing and operations network, ensuring alignment with Dover’s Operating Model and Operational Excellence (OpEx) framework. This leader is accountable for establishing disciplined operating systems that deliver sustained performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost while building scalable capabilities to support long‑term growth. Operating within Dover’s governance structure, the Senior Director will deploy policy, standard work, and performance management processes that reinforce accountability, enable transparency, and accelerate decision‑making. This role ensures consistent execution of daily management and tiered accountability while advancing a culture rooted in continuous improvement, problem solving, and leader standard work. Reporting to the VP/GM, Clean Energy Solutions, this role is a critical member of the business leadership team responsible for translating strategy into operational execution across the CES manufacturing footprint.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the CES operations network using Dover’s Operating Model, ensuring disciplined execution through Daily Management Systems (DMS), leader standard work, and tiered accountability.
• Establish clear operating rhythms, performance reviews, and governance mechanisms that enable rapid escalation, root‑cause problem solving, and sustainable countermeasures.
• Drive operational alignment across sites, reinforcing consistency in processes, metrics, and management expectations.
• Drive operational flow through the methodical deployment of Lean Tools, including, but not limited to: Daily Management, 5S, SMED, VSM, 3P, and PFEP.
• Champion Dover Operational Excellence by strengthening value stream management, standard work, visual management, and structured problem‑solving.
• Advance organizational maturity through policy deployment, ensuring strategic priorities cascade into measurable operational objectives.
• Develop a pipeline of productivity improvements that expand margins, improve flow, and reduce variability.
• Ensure enterprise adherence to Dover Environmental, Health & Safety standards while embedding safety into leader standard work and daily operating routines.
• Promote a prevention‑based safety culture supported by disciplined audits, risk identification, and corrective action processes.
• Lead enterprise capacity planning, footprint strategy, and capital deployment to optimize the manufacturing network.
• Evaluate automation, digitization, and advanced manufacturing opportunities that enhance throughput and labor productivity.
• Support integration of acquisitions through standardized operating practices, systems alignment, and governance structures.
• Partner with Engineering and Product Management to ensure value streams are structured for flow, manufacturability, and lifecycle support.
• Implement repeatable operational readiness frameworks for new product introductions, reducing launch risk and accelerating time‑to‑market.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain leadership to strengthen Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP), supplier performance management, and material flow.
• Drive improvements in inventory turns, lead time, and overall working capital through structured planning and PFEP‑based strategies.
• Ensure operational processes support industry‑leading on‑time delivery, quality performance, and responsiveness.
• Align order management, technical support, and aftermarket operations within the value stream to create a frictionless customer experience.
• Own operational financial performance, including productivity, conversion cost, capital efficiency, and budget adherence.
• Establish governance routines that connect operational metrics to financial outcomes, reinforcing data‑driven leadership behaviors.
• Build enterprise operations capability through leadership development, succession planning, and capability assessments.
• Embed a culture of accountability where expectations are clear, performance is visible, and leaders actively develop their teams.
• Model Dover values through transparent communication, principled leadership, and disciplined execution.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial management, applied engineering, business, or related discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive manufacturing and operations leadership experience, including multi‑site responsibility.
• Demonstrated success deploying structured operating systems such as Daily Management, policy deployment, and Lean transformation.
• Proven ability to lead complex value streams and high‑mix manufacturing environments.
• Strong financial acumen with experience translating operational improvements into measurable financial performance.
• Experience leading transformation, integration, or network optimization initiatives strongly preferred.
• ERP‑enabled leadership experience required (Infor XA or similar platforms).

Key Competencies

• Operating System Leadership. Establishes structured, repeatable management systems that create stability, visibility, and accountability. Drives disciplined execution while ensuring alignment between enterprise strategy and site‑level performance.
• Strategic Execution. Effectively translates strategy into operational priorities using policy deployment and performance governance. Maintains focus on both near‑term results and long‑term capability building.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset. Promotes a zero‑loss mentality by challenging waste, reducing variation, and strengthening process discipline. Develops teams that solve problems at the root cause and sustain improvements.
• Enterprise Collaboration. Operates horizontally across the organization, breaking down silos and aligning functions against shared outcomes. Builds strong partnerships that accelerate decision‑making and execution.
• Talent System Builder. Creates depth in the leadership bench by actively coaching, assessing, and developing talent. Ensures the organization is equipped with the capabilities required for future growth.
• Change Leadership. Leads confidently through transformation by providing clarity, structure, and consistency. Aligns teams around a shared vision while reinforcing operational discipline during periods of change.

This position is eligible to earn a discretionary bonus based on performance metrics and other criteria outlined in our applicable bonus plan.We consider several job‑related, non‑discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position’s responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, a candidate’s education/training, the position’s location, and the key skills needed for the position. Pay is one of the Total Rewards that we provide to compensate and recognize employees for their work.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.

Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact [e-mail] for assistance with an accommodation. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response.